It happens every year, but 2025 is going to be an extra monumental one because Vancouver was just crowned a title that no city ever wants.

TOP OF THE WORLD

It’s official: as of September 3, Vancouver has the worst air quality in the entire world. The last time this happened was in 2022 when there were a considerable number of wildfires blazing all throughout British Columbia. This summer has been just as bad, so it’s no surprise to learn that Vancouver is at the top of the charts.

According to IQAir, a website that ranks air quality, Vancouver has an air quality index of 182. The ranking system goes from 0 to 301+, with 0 being “good” and 301+ being “hazardous”. 182 is within the “unhealthy” range, and is a fair few points higher than the second place city.

That title belongs to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has an index of 163 on the AQI+US scale. Following Kinshasa is Lahore, Pakistan with 148.

WHY IS THE AIR QUALITY SO POOR?

Unsurprisingly, this is due to B.C.’s wildfire situation. Vancouver’s weather hasn’t helped it much as the province has seen 6,047 lightning strikes in the last five days, according to BC Wildfire Service. A hot and dry summer has allowed wildfires to continue burning, with windy conditions helping to fan the flames.

BC Wildfire Service notes that there are 156 active wildfires throughout the province. 11 have started in the last 24 hours. The provincial situation report states that “smoke is expected to increase with the thickest density over Prince George and Williams Laze and haze over the south.”

Thankfully, BC Wildfire Service says that September has seen a reprieve in thunderstorm and lightning activity, with only 74 strikes across the province. Light winds are helping to minimize wildfires from actively spreading.

As the wildfire season burns on, do expect hazy and smoky conditions while the fires burn. And be sure to close your windows and minimize the amount of time you spend outside, especially if you have medical conditions that affect your breathing.

Source: 604NOW